The Basics
The Topstep Octagon is a monthly leaderboard competition for Live Funded Account® (LFA) Traders. Every month, Traders compete on Net PnL — the board updates in real time, all month long. The top 100 finishers split a $250,000 bonus pool. Month ends, board resets, we run it back.
What Changed
| Old Performance Bonus | Topstep Octagon |
Structure | Tiered milestone bonuses | Monthly leaderboard competition |
How you earn | Hit cumulative Net PnL milestones | Rank in the top 100 by Net PnL |
Bonus pool | Variable (scales with trader count) | Fixed $250,000/month |
Top bonus | $100,000 (Level 7, at $1M profit) | $100,000 (1st place) |
Winners per month | 1 bonus per Trader per level | Top 100 Traders every month 🔥 |
Progress | Builds over time, 1 level per month | Resets every month |
Eligible | LFA Traders only | LFA Traders only |
Status | Ended June 2026 | Starts July 2026 |
How It Works
Eligible Traders: All LFA Traders — automatically enrolled, no sign-up required
Metric: Net PnL — the only number on the board
Monthly ranking: Every account starts each month at a virtual $0. Prior account balance is retained but doesn't affect your monthly ranking.
To qualify for a bonus: Finish the month net positive
Bonus pool: $250,000 every month, fixed
Payout: Added to your account balance the following month after rankings are finalized
Cadence: Resets at market open on the first day of each month
Leaderboard: Updates in real time throughout the month
Bonus Tiers
Place | Payout |
1st | $100,000 |
2nd | $50,000 |
3rd | $25,000 |
4th | $15,000 |
5th | $10,000 |
6th–10th | $5,000 each |
11th–25th | $750 each |
26th–50th | $500 each |
51st–100th | $125 each |
FAQs
Who's eligible for the Topstep Octagon?
Who's eligible for the Topstep Octagon?
All LFA Traders are eligible and automatically enrolled each month. No sign-up required.
How is placement on the leaderboard determined?
How is placement on the leaderboard determined?
Placement is determined by total monthly Net PnL only, calculated from the start of each month. Every account starts each month at a virtual $0 — regardless of your actual account balance. The prior month’s balance is retained in your LFA but doesn't apply to the current month's ranking in the Octagon.
To qualify for a bonus, you must finish the month net positive. If you go negative mid-month, you can still recover and finish in the top 100.
Does this promote irresponsible trading?
Does this promote irresponsible trading?
No. The best Traders get to Live — and consistently win — through responsible trading. It's the reason Live Funded Accounts have a Daily Loss Limit built in, and the reason the Risk Team helps monitor and lock in your profits. Trade responsibly to get called up to Live. Trade responsibly to win the Topstep Octagon.
Risk Lock-In — Once you're in a Live Funded Account (LFA), you're trading real firm-backed capital. When you have exceptional intraday performance, the Risk Team may set a minimum profit floor for the day. That's Risk Lock-In. It's not meant to stop you from trading or cap your upside — it's meant to make sure a great day stays great.
Daily Loss Limit (DLL) — All Live Funded Accounts have a Daily Loss Limit that scales dynamically as your Live Funded Account® profits grow. Earn your way to more buying power while trading responsibly.
Can I opt out of the Topstep Octagon?
Can I opt out of the Topstep Octagon?
Yes. Contact Support to opt out.
If you'd like to participate but wish to use an Alias, we can help with that too. Just contact support and let us know.
Note: if you opt out, you won't be eligible for bonuses and won't appear on the leaderboard. Only Traders with Live Funded Accounts or those in the process of being transferred to Live can opt out.
Does this change how capital is unlocked in my LFA (Scale In and Scale Up) or DLL expansion?
Does this change how capital is unlocked in my LFA (Scale In and Scale Up) or DLL expansion?
No. Scale In and Scale Up and Dynamic Live Risk Expansion are not changing. This update only replaces the prior Live bonus structure with the Topstep Octagon.
The way you unlock capital and scale your DLL in Live has not changed.
This applies to all Live Funded Traders, regardless of whether you finish in the top 100.
Why did you make this change to the Live bonus program?
Why did you make this change to the Live bonus program?
We wanted to bring the energy and excitement of the trading pits to Live trading. Top Traders can push each other to perform, while every Trader on the board is incentivized to improve. A fresh challenge and bonus pool every month — disciplined, consistent Traders can win repeatedly.
If I have a smaller account am I at a disadvantage?
If I have a smaller account am I at a disadvantage?
Larger accounts can offer a scale advantage, but Traders consistently succeed with accounts of all sizes. Numerous top 10 finishers have started with $50K accounts. The key is trading responsibly and building a winning strategy. Learn more about your starting balance when being called up to Live.
What happens if I was close to a bonus in June?
What happens if I was close to a bonus in June?
June performance bonuses will be tallied at end of day on June 30, 2026. You must hit or exceed the profit target to earn a June performance bonus. If you hit a June performance bonus in June, you will still be paid out directly. Topstep Octagon will start July 1st.
Does the leaderboard reset every month?
Does the leaderboard reset every month?
Yes. Each month is a fresh competition. Every Trader starts back at zero on the leaderboard — but that's ranking only. Your actual account balance stays exactly where you left it.
When are bonuses paid and how will I receive them?
When are bonuses paid and how will I receive them?
Bonuses are paid the following month after leaderboard rankings are finalized. The bonus is added directly to your account balance and you'll be notified by email. Bonuses follow the same standard payout guidelines as your trading profits.
Can I earn more than one bonus in the same month?
Can I earn more than one bonus in the same month?
No. Your leaderboard placement determines which bonus you qualify for. Only 1 bonus is paid per placement per month.
What if there's a tie?
What if there's a tie?
Tied placements are extremely rare. In those cases, we'll round up and award the higher bonus to both Traders.
What if I'm called up to Live midway through the month?
What if I'm called up to Live midway through the month?
Congrats on making it to Live! Your monthly PnL toward the Topstep Octagon starts at zero when you're called up, but you can still compete in the current month. Anything is possible.
What if my monthly PnL goes negative?
What if my monthly PnL goes negative?
Don't quit. You must finish the month net positive to qualify for a bonus, but the leaderboard locks at month end — you still have time to recover and fight your way into the top 100.